Album artwork courtesy of the label
On the turntable
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Classical for Men Who Don't Listen to ClassicalNo. 18 of the Continental 100See the full list →
Chopin: Nocturnes
Arthur Rubinstein · 1965
Nineteen night pieces, played by a man who spent his life in the best rooms in Europe.
Why it matters
Chopin wrote the nocturnes for exactly the situation you will use them in: a good room, an interesting evening, a small number of people. Rubinstein plays them without sentimentality, which is the only way they survive. Put them on at eleven and watch a conversation improve.
The Continental setting
After dinner, the plates cleared, somebody pouring something brown.
Start here
- 01Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9 No. 2
- 02Nocturne in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 1
- 03Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27 No. 2
